Postdoctoral Research Scientist

The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Irving Medical Center invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Dr. Natura Myeku. This NIH R01-funded project investigates the mechanisms of defective proteolysis in neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong focus on biochemistry, proteasome biology, and protein clearance pathways in Alzheimer's disease. Emphasis in biochemistry and in vivo biology, with opportunities to integrate high-throughput and computational approaches through close collaboration with bioinformatics experts. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment spanning neurodegeneration, proteomics, transcriptomics, and cellular biology.

Core Focus Areas

• Neurodegenerative disorders and proteasome biology
• Tau and amyloid pathology
• Innate immunity and microglia biology
• Single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics
• Proteomics

Responsibilities

• Lead an NIH R01-funded project investigating proteolysis and proteasome biology in neurodegenerative disease.
• Apply advanced biochemical and molecular techniques to study protein clearance and proteostasis.
• Perform experiments using transgenic mouse models and primary neuronal/microglial cultures.
• Conduct functional, biochemical, and molecular assays related to proteasome activity.
• Perform sequencing experiments (single-cell/single-nucleus transcriptomics, proteomics) to generate large-scale datasets.
• Collaborate with the lab's bioinformatics team on data processing and analysis.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Perform related duties & responsibilities for Myeku lab

Required degree: Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree

• Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Immunology, Bioinformatics, or Computational Biology (preferred degree).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in vivo surgeries and behavioral techniques.
• Expertise in immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses of human and animal-derived tissue.
• Experience with primary neuronal and/or microglial cultures for mechanistic assays.
• Experience with in vitro cell culture systems for compound screening.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in FACS analyses.
• Research experience in microglia/macrophage biology.
• Research experience in high-throughput technologies (single-cell transcriptomics or proteomics, preferred).
• Knowledge of experimental design.
• Strong statistical and quantitative analysis skills.
• Basic bioinformatics skills (preferred).
• Self-motivated and highly dedicated.
• Effective organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.